Teachers, Business Leaders Huddle on Applications of Science

Science teachers from schools throughout southern Connecticut recently got a first-hand
look at how the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)
are actually used in producing manufacturing materials.

While the institute was based at Southern, it included tours of several area manufacturing
firms.

"Teachers felt they left the workshop energized and equipped with a variety of ideas
and tools to help them further engage their students on the topics of materials and
manufacturing," said Christine C. Broadbridge, chairwoman of Southern's Physics Department and education director at CRISP, who is co-director of the summer teachers' institute.

Broadbridge was recently honored as the 2014 Connecticut Materials and Manufacturing
Professional of the Year. The award was presented at a combined meeting of the NHMA
and the Southern Connecticut chapter of the American Society for Materials International.
She was recognized for her contributions to materials science, STEM education, her
work with the NHMA Workforce Enhancement Committee and in playing an integral role
in coordinating the summer institute.

Robert Klancko, a representative of the NHMA and co-director of the summer teachers'
institute, said the workshop was intended to result in new lesson plans, advanced
curriculum development, better-informed career advice for students and a more informed
perspective on the manufacturing process.

"This is a novel partnership that has created an opportunity for teachers to learn
how products are made," he said.

The program included presentations on materials science, plant tours, hands-on projects,
working groups, networking opportunities, student presentations at Platt Tech, and
a luncheon with keynote speaker James Gildea, plant manager for Bigelow Tea in Fairfield.